Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran on Pia Wurtzbach's win: 'It was really meant for her'

After 42 years, the Miss Universe crown is back in the Philippines after the country's bet Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the title in the Miss Universe 2015 Coronation Night on December 20 (December 21 in the Philippines) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Despite the controversial coronation caused by host Steve Harvey's wrong announcement of winners, Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran-Floirendo believes that the Miss Universe title really is God-given to Pia.

In an interview with “Quick Response Team” on Monday, Margie said that the country's representative acted like a winner from the very beginning until the rather awkward ending.

Like Pia who graciously faced the “non-traditional” crowning moment, she urges the Filipino community and all other fans of the prestigious international pageant to move on from the gaffe.

“She did very well. Lumakad siya like a winner. She acted like a winner until the end. She was very poised. Noong nagkamali nga si Steve, poised pa rin siya. She acted very well and magnanimously,” according to the Filipina beauty queen.

Margie added, “From the very start, alam mo 'yung feeling na talagang ang chances are very good. I felt that she really had a very good chance. Kaya in the end, I was very disappointed kasi akala ko talaga natalo siya. She really deserves it and it was really meant for her. Winning a pageant, walang formula 'yan. If it's really meant for you and it's God-given, mistake or no mistake, you're the winner.”

Question-and-answer

When asked whether she agrees with Pia's answer regarding the United States military presence in the Philippines, the 1973 Miss Universe said that the answer was nothing more than an honest opinion. 

“'Yung sagot niya ay opinyon niya. She's not running for president. She's just saying her opinion, and there really might be some sectors who disagree with her. I personally think she answered it well and she defended it,” Margie said.

In the end, the beauty queen is proud of the newest Filipina Miss Universe for bringing glory and pride to the country and its people.

According to Margie, “When I won, Pia was not even born. That's how long ago it was. I'm so happy that we have another Miss Universe, one that our country can be proud of.”

“(When I see her) I'll hug her and congratulate her. Ang payo ko lang is always be grounded and take every opportunity that will come her way to be able to decipher what's good for her,” she added. —Bianca Rose Dabu/AT, GMA News